Patentable/Patents/US-11523679
US-11523679

Oral care device

PublishedDecember 13, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

An oral care device comprises a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion comprises at least one supporting arm and a base. The supporting arm extends from the base. A sensor is exposed from the supporting arm. The handle portion is configured to move relative to the head portion. The handle portion comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive signals from the sensor and analyze the signals received from the sensor.

Patent Claims
16 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion is mounted on the handle portion to allow for movement of the head portion relative to the handle portion.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device, specifically a toothbrush, designed to improve cleaning efficiency by allowing the head portion to move relative to the handle portion. The device addresses the problem of ineffective brushing due to fixed head angles, which can lead to inadequate cleaning of teeth surfaces, especially in hard-to-reach areas. The head portion is mounted on the handle portion in a way that permits movement, such as pivoting or flexing, enabling better adaptation to the contours of teeth and gums. This movement can be achieved through mechanical joints, flexible connectors, or other means that allow the head to adjust its angle or position during brushing. The handle portion provides a stable grip for the user while the head portion dynamically responds to brushing forces, improving contact with tooth surfaces. The invention enhances oral hygiene by ensuring more thorough cleaning and reducing user fatigue compared to rigid toothbrush designs. The movable head portion may also incorporate bristles or cleaning elements optimized for different brushing techniques, further improving effectiveness. The overall design aims to combine ergonomic handling with adaptive cleaning action to address common brushing challenges.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The oral care device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cleaning elements comprises plurality of sets of bristles and a dental floss, which are provided within the groove.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed to improve dental hygiene by combining brushing and flossing functions in a single device. Traditional oral care often requires separate tools for brushing and flossing, leading to inefficiency and user inconvenience. This device integrates both functions to streamline the cleaning process. The device includes a handle and a head with a groove. Within this groove, multiple sets of bristles are arranged to effectively clean teeth surfaces. Additionally, a dental floss is incorporated into the groove, allowing simultaneous or sequential flossing action. The bristles and floss work together to remove plaque and debris from teeth and gums, enhancing overall oral hygiene. The bristles are positioned to reach various tooth surfaces, including hard-to-access areas, while the floss is designed to slide between teeth for interdental cleaning. The integrated design ensures that users can perform both brushing and flossing without switching tools, improving compliance and efficiency. The device may also include features to secure the floss in place, ensuring it remains effective during use. This combination of bristles and floss in a single device addresses the need for a more comprehensive and convenient oral care solution.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The oral care device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the dental floss is configured to move vertically along the supporting arms.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device designed to improve dental hygiene by enhancing the effectiveness of dental flossing. The device addresses the challenge of reaching and cleaning interdental spaces thoroughly, which is often difficult with traditional manual flossing methods. The device includes a handle and a flossing mechanism that holds dental floss in a tensioned state. The floss is supported by arms that extend from the handle, allowing the floss to be positioned between teeth. A key feature is that the dental floss is configured to move vertically along the supporting arms. This vertical movement enables the floss to adjust its position relative to the teeth, improving access to different angles and depths of interdental spaces. The device may also include a mechanism to control the tension or movement of the floss, ensuring consistent and effective cleaning. The vertical adjustability of the floss enhances user control and precision, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas while minimizing discomfort. This design aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly flossing experience compared to conventional methods.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The oral care device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dental floss is configured to move laterally, generally perpendicularly to the vertical movement of the dental floss.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an oral care device designed to improve dental hygiene by enhancing the effectiveness of dental flossing. Traditional flossing methods often fail to adequately clean interdental spaces due to limited movement and manual control. This device addresses the problem by incorporating a dental floss that moves both vertically and laterally, providing more comprehensive cleaning. The device includes a dental floss that moves vertically to penetrate between teeth, similar to conventional flossing. Additionally, the floss is configured to move laterally, generally perpendicular to the vertical movement. This lateral motion allows the floss to sweep across the tooth surfaces, dislodging plaque and debris more effectively than vertical movement alone. The combination of vertical and lateral movements ensures thorough cleaning of interdental spaces, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities. The device may also include a handle or housing to support the floss and control its movement. The lateral motion can be achieved through mechanical mechanisms such as gears, springs, or motorized components, ensuring precise and consistent flossing action. The floss itself may be made of traditional materials like nylon or advanced materials designed for better plaque removal. The device can be manual or powered, depending on the user's preference and the complexity of the movement mechanisms. By incorporating both vertical and lateral flossing motions, this oral care device provides a more efficient and effective cleaning solution compared to traditional flossing methods. The lateral movement enhances plaque removal, making it particularly useful for users who struggle with manual flossing or require deeper interdental cleaning.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The oral care device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dental floss is offset relative to the sets of bristles, wherein the offsets prevents the dental floss from intersecting with the sets of bristles when the dental floss moves vertically or laterally.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device designed to improve dental hygiene by combining brushing and flossing functions. The device addresses the problem of ineffective or inconvenient flossing, which often leads to inadequate interdental cleaning. Traditional toothbrushes do not effectively clean between teeth, and separate flossing tools require additional steps, reducing user compliance. The device includes a handle, a head, and multiple sets of bristles arranged on the head. A dental floss is also integrated into the device, positioned in a way that avoids interference with the bristles. The floss is offset relative to the bristles, ensuring it does not intersect with them during vertical or lateral movement. This offset prevents tangling or obstruction, allowing smooth flossing action while brushing. The bristles are arranged in specific configurations to target different tooth surfaces, while the floss is positioned to clean interdental spaces without hindrance. The device may also include mechanisms to adjust the tension or position of the floss for optimal cleaning. This design simplifies oral care by integrating flossing into a single tool, improving user convenience and effectiveness.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The oral care device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cleaning elements further comprises a tongue cleaner, wherein the tongue cleaner is provided on one of the supporting arms on a side opposite to the groove.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device designed to improve dental hygiene by combining multiple cleaning functions. The device includes a handle and a head with multiple supporting arms extending from the handle. The arms support cleaning elements, such as bristles, arranged in a specific configuration to enhance cleaning efficiency. The device also features a groove on one of the supporting arms, which may be used for guiding or aligning the cleaning elements. Additionally, the device incorporates a tongue cleaner positioned on one of the supporting arms, specifically on the side opposite to the groove. This tongue cleaner is integrated to provide comprehensive oral care by addressing both teeth and tongue surfaces. The design ensures that the tongue cleaner does not interfere with the primary cleaning elements while maintaining ergonomic usability. The invention aims to streamline oral hygiene routines by consolidating multiple cleaning functions into a single device, reducing the need for separate tools. The tongue cleaner's placement ensures effective tongue cleaning without compromising the device's overall structure or performance.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The oral care device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising an actuator configured to operate at least one of the cleaning elements, wherein the actuator is controlled by the processor.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed for improved dental hygiene, addressing the need for automated and precise cleaning mechanisms. The device includes a cleaning assembly with multiple cleaning elements, such as brushes or flossing tools, positioned to engage with teeth and gums. These elements are movable to adapt to different cleaning tasks, such as brushing, flossing, or polishing. The device also features a processor that manages the operation of the cleaning elements, ensuring optimal performance based on user preferences or predefined cleaning programs. Additionally, the device includes an actuator that operates at least one of the cleaning elements. The actuator is controlled by the processor, allowing for precise and automated movement of the cleaning elements. This ensures consistent and effective cleaning without manual intervention. The actuator may adjust the position, speed, or pressure of the cleaning elements to enhance cleaning efficiency and user comfort. The integration of the actuator with the processor enables the device to perform complex cleaning routines, such as alternating between brushing and flossing, or adjusting cleaning intensity based on sensor feedback. This automation improves user convenience and ensures thorough oral care.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The oral care device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to control operation of the at least one of the cleaning elements based on the analysis of the signals received from the sensor.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed to improve dental hygiene by dynamically adjusting cleaning elements based on real-time sensor data. The device includes a sensor that detects conditions such as plaque buildup, gum health, or brushing pressure, generating signals corresponding to these conditions. A processor analyzes these signals to determine optimal cleaning parameters, such as brushing speed, pressure, or movement patterns. The processor then controls the operation of the cleaning elements—such as bristles, water jets, or ultrasonic emitters—based on this analysis to enhance cleaning effectiveness while preventing damage to teeth and gums. The device may also include a user interface to provide feedback or recommendations. This adaptive control system ensures personalized and efficient oral care by responding to individual needs and conditions detected during use. The technology addresses the problem of static brushing routines that may not effectively address varying oral health conditions, offering a more intelligent and responsive approach to dental hygiene.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The oral care device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a spacer component projecting from the supporting arm, wherein the spacer component is dimensioned to regulate pressure applied by one or more cleaning elements over one or more teeth of a user, or regulate distance of one or more of the cleaning elements over one or more teeth of the user.

Plain English Translation

An oral care device includes a supporting arm that holds cleaning elements, such as bristles or other structures, for cleaning teeth. The device addresses the problem of inconsistent cleaning pressure or spacing between the cleaning elements and the teeth, which can lead to ineffective cleaning or discomfort. To solve this, the device incorporates a spacer component that projects from the supporting arm. This spacer is designed to regulate the pressure applied by the cleaning elements on the teeth or control the distance between the cleaning elements and the teeth. By adjusting the dimensions of the spacer, the device ensures optimal cleaning performance while preventing excessive force or improper spacing that could harm gum tissue or reduce cleaning efficiency. The spacer component may be positioned strategically to maintain uniform contact across multiple teeth, improving overall oral hygiene. This design enhances user comfort and effectiveness compared to traditional oral care devices that lack such pressure or spacing regulation.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a spacer component, wherein the spacer component is configured to prevent oral cavity tissues from rubbing against a portion of the sensor which is exposed towards the oral cavity tissues, or position the sensor at a distance from the oral cavity tissues, wherein the distance is based on distance required for desired functioning of the sensor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device designed to monitor or interact with oral cavity tissues, addressing the challenge of ensuring accurate sensor functionality while protecting sensitive oral tissues from direct contact. The device includes a sensor that interacts with oral cavity tissues, such as the gums or tongue, to measure parameters like temperature, pressure, or chemical composition. A key issue in such devices is the risk of tissue irritation or damage due to direct contact with the sensor, which can compromise both user comfort and sensor accuracy. To mitigate this, the device incorporates a spacer component positioned between the sensor and the oral tissues. The spacer prevents direct rubbing or pressure against the sensor, which could distort readings or cause discomfort. Additionally, the spacer maintains an optimal distance between the sensor and the tissues, ensuring the sensor operates within its intended functional range. The spacer may be adjustable or fixed, depending on the specific sensor requirements and the anatomical variations of the user. This design enhances both the reliability of the sensor data and the overall user experience by minimizing physical interference while maintaining precise measurements.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a spacer component projecting from the supporting arm, wherein the spacer component is positioned to interface with the gum of a user.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed for cleaning and massaging the teeth and gums, addressing the problem of ineffective or uncomfortable gum stimulation during brushing. The device includes a supporting arm that holds a cleaning element, such as bristles or a soft pad, to engage the teeth and gums. The supporting arm is adjustable to position the cleaning element at an optimal angle for effective cleaning. A spacer component extends from the supporting arm and is positioned to interface with the gum of a user. This spacer component ensures proper spacing between the cleaning element and the gum, preventing excessive pressure or discomfort while maintaining effective contact for cleaning and massaging. The spacer component may be adjustable or fixed, depending on the design, to accommodate different gum contours and user preferences. The overall device improves oral hygiene by providing controlled and comfortable gum stimulation, reducing the risk of gum damage while enhancing cleaning efficiency.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of ultraviolet spectroscopic sensor, infrared spectroscopic sensor, visible spectroscopic sensor or a combination thereof.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device equipped with a spectroscopic sensor for analyzing oral conditions. The device addresses the need for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of oral health by detecting chemical and biological markers in the mouth. The sensor is designed to identify substances such as bacteria, plaque, or other oral pathogens by analyzing their spectral signatures. The device may use ultraviolet, infrared, visible light spectroscopy, or a combination of these techniques to provide accurate and rapid diagnostics. The sensor is integrated into the oral care device, allowing users to monitor their oral health during routine brushing or cleaning. This technology enables early detection of dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, and supports preventive care by providing data-driven insights. The spectroscopic sensor enhances the functionality of traditional oral care tools, making them more effective in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing dental problems. The device may also include additional features, such as data logging and wireless connectivity, to track oral health trends over time and share results with dental professionals.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The oral care device claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a radio frequency sensor.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed to monitor oral health conditions, particularly focusing on detecting and analyzing substances within the oral cavity. The device includes a sensor system that interacts with the oral environment to gather data, which is then processed to provide insights into oral health. A key feature of this device is the use of a radio frequency sensor, which is capable of detecting and measuring specific substances or conditions within the mouth. Radio frequency sensors operate by emitting and receiving radio waves, which can be analyzed to determine the presence, concentration, or other characteristics of substances such as bacteria, plaque, or other oral health indicators. The sensor may be integrated into a handheld device, such as a toothbrush or oral scanner, allowing for convenient and non-invasive monitoring. The data collected by the sensor can be transmitted to a processing unit, which may include algorithms to interpret the sensor readings and provide feedback to the user or a healthcare provider. This technology aims to improve oral health management by enabling real-time or periodic monitoring of conditions that could lead to dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or infections. The use of radio frequency sensing provides a non-contact, precise method of detecting oral health parameters, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring process.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a bioelectrical impedance sensor.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed to monitor oral health conditions by detecting changes in bioelectrical impedance within the oral cavity. Bioelectrical impedance sensors measure the resistance of biological tissues to electrical currents, which can vary based on factors like hydration, inflammation, or bacterial activity. This sensor is integrated into the device to provide real-time or periodic assessments of oral health, such as detecting gum disease, dry mouth, or other conditions that alter tissue conductivity. The sensor may be positioned on a brush head, tongue scraper, or other contact surface to ensure consistent measurements during use. The device may also include processing circuitry to analyze impedance data and generate alerts or recommendations for the user. By leveraging bioelectrical impedance, the device offers a non-invasive, quantitative approach to oral health monitoring, addressing limitations of traditional visual or subjective assessments. The sensor may operate at specific frequencies or waveforms to optimize sensitivity to different tissue properties, and the device may store or transmit data for further analysis. This technology aims to improve early detection of oral health issues and support preventive care.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to enable wireless communication of information to an external device, wherein the information is based on the analysis of signals received from the sensor or one or more cleaning elements.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an oral care device designed to improve dental hygiene by analyzing brushing habits and providing feedback. The device includes a sensor and one or more cleaning elements, such as bristles, that detect brushing parameters like pressure, motion, and coverage. A processor analyzes these signals to assess brushing effectiveness and user technique. The device further enables wireless communication of this analyzed information to an external device, such as a smartphone or computer, allowing users to track their oral care habits over time. The external device may display recommendations, progress reports, or alerts to encourage better brushing practices. This wireless communication feature enhances user engagement by providing real-time feedback and personalized insights, addressing the problem of inconsistent or ineffective brushing techniques. The system may also integrate with other health monitoring tools to offer a comprehensive oral care solution. The invention aims to improve dental health outcomes by leveraging technology to educate users and optimize their brushing routines.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The oral care device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the analysis of the signals from the sensor enables determination of at least one health condition.

Plain English Translation

The oral care device is designed to monitor oral health by analyzing signals from a sensor integrated into the device. The sensor detects various parameters related to oral conditions, such as plaque buildup, gum health, or bacterial activity. The device processes these signals to identify specific health conditions, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, or early signs of oral infections. By continuously or periodically analyzing the sensor data, the device provides real-time or delayed feedback to the user, helping them track their oral health status. The device may include a display or connectivity features to transmit data to a mobile application or healthcare provider for further analysis. The sensor may be configured to detect changes in electrical impedance, pH levels, or other biological markers that correlate with oral health conditions. The device may also include brushing or cleaning mechanisms to actively improve oral hygiene while monitoring health metrics. The analysis of sensor signals allows for early detection of potential oral health issues, enabling preventive care and personalized oral health recommendations. The device may be designed as a toothbrush, interdental cleaner, or other oral care tool, ensuring seamless integration into daily routines. The health condition determination feature enhances traditional oral care by providing diagnostic capabilities, reducing the need for frequent clinical visits and improving overall oral health management.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

September 26, 2019

Publication Date

December 13, 2022

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